As detailed in an Action Memorandum dated September 25, 2013, EPA had initially identified approximately 50 properties in the Birmingham communities of Fairmont, Harriman Park, and Collegeville that exhibited levels of soil contamination that exceed, either threefold or a magnitude of measure, Region 4 residential removal management levels for lead, arsenic, and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition to contamination deposited by airborne means over the previous 100 years, or potential contaminant migration due to flooding, these properties likely received fill material from one or more of the local industrial businesses. For further discussion of background information, please refer to previous POLREPs for this Site.

Early in the removal action for the 50 homes, EPA amended the original scope of work to allow for greater consistency with remedial goals that provide for a more permanent remedy. An Action Memorandum dated March 12, 2014 described the amended scope of work.

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated August 11, 2014, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where the soil concentrations for contaminants of concern exceed Region 4 Removal Management Levels and children either live there or routinely and frequently visit.  This change of scope included approximately 30 properties, including the Collegeville Center and North Birmingham Homes public housing developments. 

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated January 6, 2015, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where soil concentrations exceed two times the Region 4 Removal Management Levels for carcinogens; specifically arsenic and benzo[a]pyrene.  This change of scope included approximately 35 properties.  

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated July 20, 2015, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where soil concentrations exceed the Region 4 Removal Management Levels for contaminants of concerns; specifically arsenic, lead, and benzo[a]pyrene.  This change of scope includes approximately 260 properties.  

Phase 4 Removal Activities:

One hundred thirty-five residential properties have been addressed in Phase 4 with approximately 143 identified properties remaining.  Number of identified properties continue to change as properties identified for removal action is added.  Total of 255 residential properties including three schools and two apartment complexes have been addressed since removal activities began.  

Drought Conditions: 

Due to severe drought conditions in Birmingham area (Stage 4 with 53 consecutive days of no measureable rain), removal operations continues to be influenced to conserve water and prevent additional water surcharges on homeowners. Properties requiring sod installation will be deferred to mid-November when drought conditions may improve.  Current excavations will focus on properties that were formerly inaccessible do to wet conditions (swampy) and properties that are removed from dense population areas (southern site boundary).  

Sampling:

Sampling activities at 100 vacant residential properties where judicially authorized access was granted are ongoing.  Access was granted on October 20, 2016, and will be available for 90 days.  About twenty properties have been sampled.  Warrant copy is being placed on residential property prior to sampling and then removed once sampling activities are complete.  One-page flyer with details of ongoing sampling and EPA contacts information was given to sampling team in case of questions/concerns.  

Disposal:

Disposal of excavated soil from residential properties is ongoing during week of November 7.  Prior to this week, 23,437 tons of excavated soil have been sent to a landfill for disposal.  

Access Agreements:

EPA received two signed access agreements during this reporting period.

Community Outreach:

OSC continue to meet with property owners at the Command Post or at their respective properties to answer questions regarding the pending excavation efforts and respond to their concerns.  

Air Monitoring:

START continues to monitor site conditions including air monitoring and sampling as well as removal documentation and soil profiling as directed by the OSC.  Air sampling has included periodic personnel air sampling on a representative ground technician and an excavator operator. To date, air monitoring indicates all operations are well controlled and have minimized blowing dusts.